We are back to Wednesday – the day of humour. Once a week, we try to enliven you with some clean laughable absurdities. With no insults intended to anybody, all these are in lighter vein just to brighten you up. It is imperative to state that these are on technologies and technologists without undermining their importance in any way, whatsoever.

When asking for doing a job, be clear and specific about what you want, or else it could be disastrous. A boss learnt this lesson the hard way. Here is the story.The young trainee technician was struck with some urgent piece of work. When he finally emerged from the workshop, he found that everybody had left. To his surprise he found the boss standing close to the newly acquired paper shredder with a piece of paper in hand, apparently fiddling with the machine. “Can I be of any assistance to you, Sir?” the young Technician inquired politelyThe boss looked up in utter desperation. “Everybody has left, and I am wondering how it works“, he said.“I’ll do this, Sir”, he volunteered, took the paper from the boss, and inserted it in the paper shredder. Soon it vanished from out of sight.“Mind it”, he added with an air of authority “take an extra copy......it’s very important”

Technocrats are basically a dedicated lot and hence one need not expect them to be faultless while communicating in official English. But then there are some 'classic' leave applications which sound hilarious and amusing, and are worth being shared. A few examples -
1. As I am to go to my village to sell my land along with my son, please grant me two days' leave.
2. Since my wife is sick, and I am the only husband to look after her, I wish to apply for a week's leave.

Author : Syed Zafar Ahmad

Designation:Executive EditorBio:A freelancer with a flair for experimenting with innovative technology and electronic gadgets that could enrich the life of a modern common man, and a consultant in issues touching every-day life of a computer suave professional.